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Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Aspiration pneumonia is an infection that develops after foreign items are accidentally inhaled into the lungs. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.

Food Inhaled into Lung

Food has entered air sacs of the lung causing a build up of green mucus and decreasing the flow of oxygen—blue arrows.

Only air should enter the airways of the lungs. Sometimes foods, liquids, or vomited stomach contents may accidentally get into these airways. Inhaling can move these substances further into the lungs. This is called aspiration. Once the substances are in the lungs, it will cause an irritation and swelling in the lungs. This creates an opportunity for an infection to develop.

Most people can prevent aspiration by creating a strong cough. However, some people may have impaired coughing ability. This may happen in people who are unconscious, have brain injuries or have trouble swallowing foods or liquids.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of aspiration pneumonia include:

Decreased level of consciousness due to alcohol intake,
seizures
,
stroke
, or other conditions

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to aspiration pneumonia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. During the exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.

Tests may include the following:

Blood tests

Sputum test

Your doctor may also need to take pictures of your lungs. This is done with a
chest x-ray
. You may also be asked to use a
barium swallow
during your x-ray. This will help demonstrate swallowing problems.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat aspiration pneumonia. In some cases, you may need to go to the hospital to receive antibiotics directly into the veins through an IV. In other cases, antibiotics may be taken by mouth.

Breathing Assistance

In severe cases, aspiration pneumonia can cause breathing problems. You may be placed on a mechanical ventilation to help with breathing.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of aspiration pneumonia:

Follow your doctor’s orders when fasting before any surgery. This will lower the chance of vomiting while you are unconscious.

If you have a swallowing problem, talk to your doctor and speech specialist about ways to help prevent aspiration.

If you drink alcohol, only drink in moderation. Moderation is 2 drinks or less for men and 1 drink or less for women.

Reza Shariatzadeh M, Huang JQ, et al. Differences in the features of aspiration pneumonia according to site of acquisition: Community or continuing care facility..
J Am Geriatr Soc. 2006;54(2):296-302.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.